Decided to leave that as a statement, rather than a question due to the fact that most of us would say "uh yeah, unless you've been living under a rock somewhere"!?
In these crazy days, I think that for some, the word Hope sometimes feels like a pipe dream, an ethereal concept, or a joke, depending on how life has treated you either lately, or over time.
I really don't have anything to complain about in my life. And I don't mean this to be taken wrong or that I think I'm better than someone else.
I am grateful for what I have. I have a home, a job, a great family, a wonderful husband, friendships with folks from all walks of life, and last but NOT least, a relationship with a God who's referred to sometimes as, the God of all hope. I should add, my "list" above is not in order of preference, but was rather listed in order of thought process.. but life can be tough at times also and no one is immune to life's challenges. I'm finding that hope is a precious commodity that is much more than just a concept..
Life's journeys
A few years ago, our family was on a journey of sorts.. and certainly not one any of us would pick, either. During the summer of 2005, my brother's five year old daughter Gabby, was diagnosed with a rare, malignant brain tumor. She fought bravely, loved Jesus and her family, and then went to Heaven on August 31st, 2006..
Gabby, at 4 years old
(picture "borrowed" from one of her Nana's!)
To say we hate cancer is truly an understatement. One of my Aunt's (my Dad's only sister), died from pancreatic cancer in October 2007. Two of my friends last year (literally within a month of each other), were both diagnosed with breast cancer. I am happy to report however, both are cancer free now, Praise God! One of my Uncles is fighting lung cancer & had surgery to remove it about 4 weeks ago. And now just recently this month, my mom has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer! I'm not listing each situation so someone can feel sorry for us. NO! And can also I just tell you NO ONE in my family is a "super Christian". And lest anyone thinks such let me tell you we're human, we are a quirky bunch, "warts & all"! We've grieved, cried, got mad, questioned what we believe and asked the question, why God?! Cancer again, are you kidding me?!
Yet even in all of this craziness, and now on this current journey, there is still hope. In fact, I am absolutely convinced of hope's existence. It is due to the fact of where and in whom, my hope is based on, and that is in the person of Jesus Christ.
The dictionary has several definitions of the word, hope. I've copied the noun version of it here:
1. archaic:Trust, reliance
2 a: desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment
b: someone or something on which hopes are centered
In situations like this, it tends to make one really consider what one believes. I certainly have had my moments these past few weeks since my mom's diagnosis. What I have discovered in this process, are several things. One is that I don't believe that God is "up there with a big stick" waiting to beat me over the head for having questions, being angry, or even asking Him why. I don't believe this because I have a relationship with Him! I do understand this can be difficult to grasp for those who haven't had a good parental relationship with our earthly parents to view Him as a loving parent, but over the course of my life I have learned He IS a very loving God! I love the story of the man who was so transparent in a situation where he asked if Jesus could do anything for his son, yet also confessed his need to help him overcome his unbelief that He would answer his request! This can be found in Mark 9: 22-24.
Jesus graciously healed his son but He did not criticize or berate this man for asking for help to overcome his unbelief, lack of trust, or fear that Jesus might not grant his request. I myself have prayed this often, even in past days. Lord I believe, help me overcome my unbelief!
Another is how faithful God is, and that He is with us, and will not leave us during this journey.
Here's an example: The morning of the day my mom got the test results back showing she had cancer, I'd had an odd dream. I was at the bottom of a somewhat murky lake about 12 feet deep & as I was walking forward I could see a deep, dark hole in front of me that I was about to fall into. I was a bit alarmed so I stopped & thought, I need to get back up to the top before I run out of air and drown. It ended right there & I woke up with an old song we used to sing in church:
"Fear not, for I am with you, fear not for I am with you, fear not for I am with you says the Lord. For I have redeemed you I have called you by name, and you are mine. When you walk thru the water I will be there, and thru the flame.You'll not, (no way), be drowned, You'll not (no way) be burned, for I am with You..."
The song is based on Isaiah 43: 1-2 "...fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; nor shall the flame scorch you."
Later that same day is when the doctors came & told my parents the latest test results showing the tumor as being cancerous. I got to share these verses the next day with my mom which really encouraged her.
In going on the foundation that God is truly a good God (because His word says so), plus the fact He was graciously showing me how He IS with us in this journey, all culminates in the fact that I have hope. I trust Him. Explicitly, and implicitly. The hope I have is NOT something I have to (or even try to) muster. And it is not based on how I feel, or as some call it, "hyper, blab it & grab it, faith". My hope is solely based on who He is, His character, and His word, all mixed together.
It was pretty late last night when I read the entry in my devotional for today. One of the verses I read from it included Hebrews 6:19 "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain..". Naturally this reminds me of yet another song, one our church has been singing recently. I've copied the lyrics (and if I can figure out how, also a link to a video of it from Hillsong) below.
Whoever you are reading this - be encouraged. If you need hope, it is available. Talk to Jesus, tell him everything that is going on. And then watch Him give you hope in your situation, too.
Sheri <3 :)
Cornerstone
My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
but wholly trust in Jesus' name
-Chorus-
Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong, in the Savior's love
Through the storm He is Lord, Lord of All
When darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
Then He shall come with trumpets sound
Oh, may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteousness alone
faultless, stand before the throne
than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
but wholly trust in Jesus' name
-Chorus-
Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong, in the Savior's love
Through the storm He is Lord, Lord of All
When darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
Then He shall come with trumpets sound
Oh, may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteousness alone
faultless, stand before the throne
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